A new Aquatic Invasive Species was discovered in July 2024 by an SCLA Lake Monitor. Chinese Mystery Snails were found near the Heinemann Road boat launch. Samples were taken to Sawyer County AIS Coordinator, Natalie Erler, who made a positive identification. Since then, they have been observed in additional areas on the south end of Little Spider. This snail can grow up to 3 inches tall and is dark in color. There is no known remediation for this snail except manually removing them from the lake. They can be removed from the water and disposed of properly.
Banded Mystery Snails have been in Big Spider for several years. Originally only seen in a couple of areas such as Steamboat Island, they have since migrated to other areas in Big Spider and the north end of Little Spider. These snails grow to a size of 1.5 inches and have distinctive concentric bands encircling the snail. There is no known remediation for this snail except manually removing them from the lake.
Removing snails from the lake should be done with gloves since they can leave a long-lasting odor or stain on your hands.
Negative Impact of Snails:
1. The snails only live for 1-2 years and can die off in large numbers, causing a foul odor on the shoreline.
2. The snails cling to all surfaces including docks and boat lifts.
3. The shell of the snail is sharp when broken down and can cause injury to bare feet.
The Spider Chain of Lakes has native snails as well, generally much smaller in size than Banded and Chinese Mystery Snails.
NEWLY EXPANDING - NARROW LEAF CATTAIL
Several years ago, a new invasive plant was detected: “Narrow Leaf cattail.” There is now a significant patch in the East Bay of Big Spider. In 2025, SCLA leaders plan to work with landowners to help coordinate mitigation efforts.
While this cattail looks like native cattail, it grows aggressively and can take over a shoreline. If you see this plant please report it.
The SCLA Rapid Response Plan Works! SCLA is fortunate to have a Lake Monitor Program of trained member volunteers, an active Aquatic Invasive Species and Water Quality Committee, and an involved Board of Directors who are all committed to protecting the Spider Chain of Lakes from Aquatic Invasive Species.
Please report suspect samples to SpiderChainOfLakes@gmail.com ATTN: AIS & Water Quality Committee or Sawyer County AIS Coordiinator, Natalie Erler (715-634-6463).
For an easy to print copy of the SCLA RAPID RESPONSE PLAN go to the Spider Lake Catalog of Invasive Species page of the SCLA website.
